Migyur Samkhar and Rikzing Norbu, setting up the Tibetan contribution at the National Multicultural Festival (ABC Local: Jim Trail)

Haggis ahoy; Alex and Rachel Crawford from the Canberra Celtic Pipe Band in their Kilted Van at the National Multicultural Festival (ABC Local: Jim Trail)

Performers share a moment on stage at the National Multicultural Festival (ABC Local: Jim Trail)

The heat may have climbed but that did not deter the hundreds of stallholders and thousands of visitors to the Multicultural Festival in the city centre.

With warm daytime temperatures the crowds peaked towards evening, the main thoroughfares becoming almost girdlocked as Canberrans vied to find the best food of the festival - and there was so much choice.

Entertainment was spread across a multitude of stages, upon which myriad cultures showcased performances from their countries.

666's James Vyver spoke with programmer of the Latin Dance performances at the festival Kate Ticehurst, who also teaches dance in Canberra.

"Samba has actually become our most popular style...[students] get to meet people, wear the costume and get fit at the same time" she told James.

The spaces between the stage were filled with mysterious aromas, promising transportation through taste to far flung places.

Adam Shirley talked to Festival Director Nik Manikis, who told him that it's the community groups that drive the festival.

"The level of passion that goes into it, the level of energy and enthusiasm by the community leaders [is impressive]. What I'm seeing is a generational shift too... Now we've got the younger people getting involved in the cultural activities," he told Adam.

Then there's the Fringe; something to make you think, laugh, perhaps confront you.

Yes, there are lots of people and it can be tough to make your way through the crowd, but it's an experience shared and so worth it as the sun sets and the atmosphere sets in.